Surface Modification of CaCO₃/SiO₂ Ceramic Scaffolds by CO₂ Laser and Plasma-Polymerized Coating

Abstract

The newly developed CaCO<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{3}$</tex-math> </inline-formula>/SiO<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{2}$</tex-math> </inline-formula>-composite bone scaffold has high compressive strength, yet the influences of alterations to its surface properties on cell behaviors remain unclear. We introduce two methods individually and sequentially to modify the surface topography and to deposit a polymerized thin layer. Three parameters of CO<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{2}$</tex-math> </inline-formula> laser were tested to flatten and also create various micropatterns on the ceramic surfaces. Two kinds of thin layers were deposited by plasma on untreated and laser-treated scaffolds to change the surface properties. The results of cell growth assay indicated that the modifications affected the cell viabilities and growth patterns.